Norman, the potbellied pig mascot at Marini Produce in Brandywine Hundred for about 15 years, has died.
The gentle gray pig had been at the Veale Road market since 2009. Norman died on Tuesday, Jan. 23 “with his loving family by his side,” according to a Facebook post on Wednesday, Jan. 24.
Norman had his own Facebook page with nearly 5,000 followers. The pig was well-known to visitors of Marini Produce and would squeal at those who came to his pen.
He let visitors rub him behind his ears, according to a 2010 News Journal story that first brought attention to the friendly pig that weighed only 6 pounds when he came to the produce market in 2009.
A little more than a year later he weighed 100 pounds.
A post on his Facebook page read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Norman, the potbelly pig. After being born the runt of the litter, Norman beat all the odds and grew up to be a happy and healthy pig and was much bigger and stronger than ever predicted. He brought so much joy to many people all over the world.